The Alternate Stitch

Big feet wearing big socks, on the ground next to cute dog and his big paws
Sock 101 ·
Big Feet Mean Big Socks
by Mark Hassett
If you have long, big feet (like me), don’t worry – Darn Tough makes socks for you, with sock sizes all the way up to XXL, which fits Men’s shoe sizes 15-17. My name is Mark Hassett, and I am thru hiker and avid adventurer who is always seeking a trail to be explored.
A skier and a snowboarder seated on tailgate comparing socks from darn tough
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
From boots to helmet, by the time you get on the mountain, it could seem like you’re swimming in gear. You might be wondering; do I need ski socks? Or maybe, what are the best ski socks? Let's dive into it. 
A sheep standing triumphantly on a sock pile holding the Merino Wool flag high
Sock 101 ·
Comparing Sock Materials: Merino Wool vs. Wool vs. Synthetics vs. Cotton
by Darn Tough Vermont
At Darn Tough, we consider Merino Wool to be one of the master strains of all sock materials. When it’s spun together with Nylon and Lycra Spandex, it creates a longer lasting sock that strengthens wear zones and holds its fit for days. We're taking a look at how Merino Wool stacks up against other sock materials.
Man seated on steps putting on converse and merino wool socks for walking
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose Walking Socks: Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Socks for Walking
by Darn Tough Vermont

Walking for exercise has many benefits for the body and the mind and is one of the most convenient activities we can do for our wellbeing. Some good, basic equipment will help ensure you get to focus on your walk and not your feet. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right walking socks.

Ultralight, lightweight, midweight, & heavyweight Merino Wool strand together to compare size
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Welder working on pipe, sparks flying, good thing he's wearing fire resistant socks from darn tough
Sock 101 ·
Merino Wool's Less-Discussed Benefit: It Makes Fire Resistant Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

When you consider the benefits of Merino Wool, the fact that it makes great fire resistant socks probably isn’t one that you’ve put much thought into. But if you’re a wildland firefighter or flying with the Air Force, this less-discussed benefit of Merino Wool might rank high on your list.

Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
Sock 101 ·
Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
by Owen Rachampbell
In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…
Emma and Claire, the Salmon Sisters, video calling with Darn Tough designers while looking at test socks
Sock 101 ·
Mutual Crush: Developing Work Socks with the Salmon Sisters
by Jenny Knapp

I can trace my crush on the Salmon Sisters all the way back to 2018. Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I heard they reached out, and even more excited to work with them on developing a new Darn Tough sock.

Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
Sock 101 ·
Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool has many natural benefits, including thermoregulation, durability, breathability, softness, and an unbelievable ability to manage moisture. Though other moisture wicking materials exist, we’ve found the best moisture wicking socks are made with Merino Wool.
Three people having a picnic on green grass while wearing wool socks in summer
Sock 101 ·
5-ish Reasons to Wear Merino Wool Socks in Summer
by Sarah Nocito

As a company dedicated to knitting the absolute best socks out there, it’s probably no surprise Darn Tough views socks as all-season wardrobe essentials - yes, even in summer. Let’s bust the myth that wool is just for winter and consider five reasons why wearing wool socks in summer is awesome.

Hiker seated with boot off, checking his foot to prevent blisters
Sock 101 ·
Blister Prevention 101: Putting Out Those Hot Spots
by Darn Tough Vermont
We’re about to break down the most common reasons behind what causes blisters. And the key ways to make sure that tending to one of these suckers doesn’t become the most memorable part of your next outing.
Feet wearing our softest socks, the twisted yarn ranger socks, with some crocs for extra comfort
Sock 101 ·
The Twisted Yarn Story: Doubling Down for the Softest Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
We like to say we make the most comfortable socks out there. A lot goes into earning that claim, and we’re always pushing to outdo that benchmark. If you’re not familiar with Darn Tough’s Twisted Yarn socks, they’re blazing the trail as our softest socks yet.
Four Darn Tough socks looking out of this world in gray space dye. Plus some planets
Sock 101 ·
Space Dye Is Here to Send Your Style into Orbit
by Darn Tough Vermont
We’ve brought Space Dye to the finest-micron Merino Wool. The result? Totally unique socks that have moisture management, durability, and temperature regulation on lock.
Two hikers heading up the trail wearing darn tough hiking socks
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Hiking Socks
by Owen Rachampbell

What makes Darn Tough hiking socks so good? And, with dozens of styles and designs to choose from, how do you pick the right pair for you? In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose the best socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot, or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

Three pairs of feet wearing different sock heights to show how they compare
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Heights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
We have nine heights here at Darn Tough. Six main ones, with a few in-betweeners. Before you say Nine? Nine! That’s too many! We’ve broken down each height so you understand the benefit of each and how and when you should wear it.
Hiker about to pull off his shoes, confident his merino wool socks aren't smelly socks
Sock 101 ·
Smelly Sock Solutions: Merino Wool Is the Answer
by Darn Tough Vermont
The science is clear. That rank smell is the result our bodies’ natural cooling system being turned against us. Hear us out on this: it’s going to get a little icky before we explain how Merino Wool helps to prevent stinky socks.
Pro snowboard Jake Blauvelt pulling on the Backwoods sock he helped design
Sock 101 ·
Jake Blauvelt on Developing the Backwoods Sock
by Darn Tough Vermont

I thought I knew what it took to make a good snowboard sock, but I had no clue. Luckily all of the designers are amazing and they really helped coach me through what it was going to take to make a great shred sock. I’d say I walked away from the experience feeling grateful that Darn Tough was on my side.

Man running past some merino wool sheep while wearing merino wool socks, all part of the history
Sock 101 ·
The History of Merino Wool, From Flock to Sock
by Darn Tough Vermont
The Merino Wool story is full of top-notch historical characters and plot twists (steal a sheep and get beheaded on order of the King, oh my!). So we’ll do our best to condense the tale of how we got from wild sheep shredding the hills to our current and future source of naturally warm and moisture-controlling fabric.
A pile of merino wool fibers, which are super soft, not itchy despite the myth
Sock 101 ·
5-ish Merino Wool Myths, Debunked
by Darn Tough Vermont
We take Merino Wool’s reputation seriously. Why don’t more people wear wool socks? We think these common Merino Wool myths have something to do with it.
Foot wearing darn tough socks for work in brown work boots
Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Socks for Work
by Owen Rachampbell
Here’s the deal: you can have the best, most technical work boots or shoes in the world, but your feet are not going to be happy if you are wearing a crappy pair of socks
A man hiking in hot weather wearing breathable merino wool socks
Sock 101 ·
Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer. Breathable Socks All Year Round.
by Darn Tough Vermont
Here’s how Darn Tough uses the advantages of Merino Wool to make socks that work in all seasons: warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry and breathable all the time. If that sounds like a wild sheep chase, read on to find out more.
Visit Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life information page
Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life
Visit Still Made in Vermont, USA information page. Outline of the state of Vermont
Still Made in Vermont, USA
Visit the Uncompromised Comfort, Durability, and Fit information page. Darn Tough mountain logo
Uncompromised Comfort, Durability + Fit